Basilica of St Peter
Usa·Columbia·Diocese of Charleston
The Basilica of St. Peter in Columbia, South Carolina, is the second building for the oldest Catholic parish in the region and holds the distinction of being the first basilica in South Carolina. Its current Gothic Revival structure, designed by Frank Pierce Milburn, was constructed between 1906 and 1908, replacing an earlier church built by architect Robert Mills.
Key Facts
- ›Designated a Minor Basilica by the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on June 24, 2018.
- ›First Catholic church in South Carolina to receive the title of Minor Basilica.
- ›Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
- ›The current church was designed by architect Frank Pierce Milburn and built between 1906 and 1908.
- ›The previous church on the site was designed by South Carolina architect Robert Mills and completed in 1824.
- ›Features a Gothic Revival architectural style with red brick, limestone, and terra cotta trim.
Gothic Revival
Frank Pierce Milburn, Robert Mills
About Basilica of St Peter
Basilica of St. Peter, Columbia, South Carolina
The Basilica of St. Peter, also known as St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, stands as an important religious and historical landmark in Columbia, South Carolina. Located at 1529 Assembly St., it represents the second building for the oldest Catholic parish in Columbia and the broader Midlands region of South Carolina. In a significant recognition of its spiritual and historical standing, it was announced on June 24, 2018, that the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments had issued a decree granting Saint Peter's Catholic Church the title of 'Minor Basilica.' This designation makes the church the first basilica in the state of South Carolina.
Historical Context and Construction
The history of Catholicism in Columbia dates back to 1820 when the first resident Catholic priest arrived. The initial church for St. Peter's parish was completed in 1824, designed by the notable South Carolina architect Robert Mills. However, this original structure was later demolished in the early 1900s to make way for the construction of the new sanctuary.
The current church was designed by Frank Pierce Milburn, a respected Southern architect. The substantial undertaking of planning and fundraising for this new edifice was largely spearheaded by Father Thomas J. Hegarty. Construction commenced in 1906 and was successfully completed in 1908, with the formal dedication taking place in January 1909. The church graveyard is situated to the rear of the building.
Architectural Features
The Basilica of St. Peter is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture. Constructed with dark red brick, it is accented by Bedford limestone and dull glazed terra cotta trim. The roof is made of durable Buckingham Slate, and the spire, topped with a cross, reaches a height of 163 feet (49.7 meters) above grade. The church's interior features a cruciform plan with a high nave. Its dimensions are impressive, measuring 131 feet (40 meters) in length and 79 feet (24.1 meters) in width. The nave itself is 64 feet (19.5 meters) long and 51 feet (15.6 meters) tall. A significant element within the church is its bell, weighing 3,500 pounds (1,591 kg) and measuring 55 inches (1.4 meters) in diameter, which was cast in 1911 by the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, Maryland.
Recognition and Significance
Beyond its architectural merit, the Basilica of St. Peter holds historical significance, as evidenced by its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Its elevation to the status of a Minor Basilica further underscores its importance as a center of Catholic worship and a point of historical pride for South Carolina.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Peter's Catholic Church in Columbia designated a Minor Basilica?
The Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a decree granting Saint Peter's Catholic Church in Columbia the title of Minor Basilica on June 24, 2018. This made it the first basilica in South Carolina.
What is the architectural style of the Basilica of St. Peter?
The church is built in the Gothic Revival style. It features dark red brick with Bedford limestone and dull glazed terra cotta trim, with a roof made of Buckingham Slate.
Who designed the current Basilica of St. Peter?
The current church was designed by Frank Pierce Milburn, a Southern architect. The planning and fundraising were significantly led by Father Thomas J. Hegarty.
What are the dimensions of the Basilica of St. Peter?
The church has a cruciform plan with a high nave. It measures 131 feet long and 79 feet wide. The nave itself is 64 feet long and 51 feet tall.
When was the first Catholic parish established in Columbia, South Carolina?
The first resident Catholic priest came to Columbia in 1820. The first church for St. Peter's parish was completed in 1824, designed by Robert Mills.
Related Basilicas
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Basilica of St Peter and St Paul
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